430 like minded, like hearted mommas in one room is an annual slice of heaven. Attending Created for Care last weekend was a heavy dose of encouragement and inspiration.
It was a retreat at a beautiful lodge on a lake, but there were no naps or strolls through nature. It was bigger, wider and deeper. I spent the weekend with some of very my favorite ladies, staying up late, giggling, shedding some tears, and stratergizing how to support adoptive families and serve orphans in the US and the world.
We attended sessions on nurturing our marriages, spiritual parenting, and a multitude of adoption/orphan/mom related topics. We caught up with big-hearted old friends and connected with inspirational new ones...at sessions and mealtimes, in the bathroom, in the lobby, on the floor in the hallway until 1 AM, and in the elevator. We talked about China, Africa, Haiti and foster care. We met bloggers whose blogs we are inspired by. We visited booths and bought t-shirts from our favorite orphan charities. We ate too much, took notes feverishly, prayed and worshipped a God who has granted us the blessing of adoption.
We were cared for.
We didn't plan meals, clean-up kitchens, do laundry, teach, discipline, entertain or organize.
We didn't plan meals, clean-up kitchens, do laundry, teach, discipline, entertain or organize.
We are renewed. Ready to keep fighting for orphans, advocating for adoption and loving the little ones that we were created to care for.
"Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near Him..." Psalm 84:3
"Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near Him..." Psalm 84:3
5 comments:
I so want to go to this next year! I didn't know about it until after but then had several people mention it to me on FB. Sooo cool. What a great thing! What's the latest on your sweetie in Ethiopia? Bless you for this wait. :( My BIL and SIL just changed programs a few weeks ago. It killed them. Their dossier has been in Ethiopia for nearly a year and they've moved like 10 spots on the list. So heartbreaking for them. It seems my SIL has grieved it too. They are excited to move forward to China and hopefully a faster process. But her heart was in Ethiopia no doubt.
Hope things are moving for you guys there! Can't wait to see a third little girl join your team!
Hugs from down the road~
Glad your hearts and minds were fed and restored.... support means the world to each of us when we are in a difficult time. AND love to see you rocking the scarf (I know, I probably should say something more profound) :-)
Best weekend of my year so far! I love my C4C girls and hope to be hanging with you in the hallway until TWO AM next year! Love you, Rebecca!
Very happy that you got to go!
This sounds like a wonderful gathering! I bet you will remember the time with these wonderful ladies for a long time.
Post a Comment